14 best live music venues in Goa

A little help to get you going on a musical adventure the next time you are in this happy place

Nothing but a few feet separate you from the warm notes pouring out from an alto saxophone. A little to the left, on the cramped “stage” area, a throaty voice comes one. A pianist, impossibly squeezed into the tiny space, clunks away, accompanying the bluesy ensemble enthusiastically. You sip on a cashew feni cocktail, the tropical scents and heady flavours turning all your sensations up a few notches. Coconut palms and shy tamarind flowers frame the purple sky that peeps in past the open oyster shell windows. The salty evening air tells of green, rolling hills and of the wide ocean.

The tempo drags your attention back to the people in the confines of the quaint space that are breaking into spontaneous jives and swings between the sparse tables. Others clap along, and laughter punctuates the evening, while agile staff manoeuvre plates of delectable seafood overhead, safely delivering it to hungry patrons. There truly is no other like ‘Amchem Goem‘ (our Goa).

Despite the abundant stage space that electronic and trance music occupy in Goa, there is a lot that Goan spaces have on offer for people with a wide range of musical sensibilities. All one needs, really, is a spirit of fun and exploration, which we hope you carry with you anyway when you catch that flight to Goa.

1. The Rice Mill

Take an old, abandoned rice mill in the heart of a Goan village and give it a complete facelift. Serve savoury, simple food inspired by local ingredients. Don’t forget the real, freshly-ground coffee. Bolster with an array of alcohol and dizzying cocktails. Pepper the week with some very talented, young local musicians, and with that you have a first-class ticket to an evening well spent.

You can expect to hear: A local jazz trio on Saturdays.Address: 384, near Bank of Baroda, Varchawada, Morjim (+91 7447473866)Open: October 2018 onwards

2. Cantare

Cantare, which means ‘to sing’ in Italian, is a picturesque tavern like no other. Set in an exquisitely restored Goan home and tucked away in a charming village, it is well-camouflaged, accessed only via labyrinthine roads. Its location makes it somewhat of a well-kept secret (until now). The best place to sit is in the balcony that overlooks the village road and offers a view of the live band that plays inside as well. Don’t hold back on your dancing feet or skimp on sampling the legendary food and cocktails.

You can expect to hear: Each day of the week comes with a different musical vibe, from blues and jazz to funk and retro.Address: 7/73 B, Cruz Waddo, Saligao, Bardez (+91 7972548319)Open: All year round

3. House No 248

Have a taste for Hindustani Classical or Carnatic music? Or maybe you’re in the mood for an evening of Balkan music or maybe even ghazals? Perhaps you’re feeling the groove for Afro-Scandinavian fusion? How about some deconstructed bossa nova and electropop then? Whatever your jam, House No 248 has your fix. Apart from an excellent musical repertoire spanning five years of hosting more than 200 bands, the venue also offers innovative Spanish/Latin American-inspired cuisine and distinctive programming by way of day-time workshops and training sessions.

You may have heard: Sounds born out of partnering with local production labels like The Live Music Project, Songs From the Attic and Eternal Sound Project; exclusive performances by global collectives like Kefaya and Monoswezi; truly unique ensembles like Thaalavattam, The Summer Rebellion, Khamira, The Max Clouth Clan and Mrinal Casewa Collective.Address: House No 248, Bella Vista, Chogm Road, Sangolda, Behind Paper Boat Collective (+91 9987991645)Open: All year round

4. 6 Assagao

We can all agree on the importance of having safe spaces. Ones that foster critical thinking and intelligent discourse, that help us, as a culture, empathise and evolve. Thus Critique curates events at 6, Assagao that advocate empowerment through the language of art. The safe space is a platform for individuals and communities to utilise ‘stories’ as agents for social change. Programming at this gorgeously quaint venue spans live music, film screenings, poetry performances, book launches, and doesn’t shy away from political discussions or harsh environmental realities. Every Monday, expect a generous serving of incisive and discerning content coupled with an equally sharp audience. The menu is limited on event days – delicious, home cooked North Eastern fare with the drinks straight-up and no-frills.

You may have heard: Shyamant Behel, Sound Reasons, Imphal Talkies and a preview from top artists at the World Mouth Harp Festival.Address: Cursino Villa No 6, Bounto Vaddo, Anjuna Mapusa Road, AssagaoOpen: Mondays, all year round

5. The Village Studio

Based on the need to etch out a more accessible space for art and music in Goa, The Village Studio was founded by Laila Vaziralli in September 2017. Nestled in a scenic North Goan village, the cute structure has a large backyard, enveloped in shade during the day and overlooking a pond filled with birds. The space has a cosy, intimate vibe, perfect to experience indie artists with an entertaining flair. A lot of the acts featured at The Village Studio are exclusive, one-time performances, so check the studio’s social media for the latest upcoming events. Food is simple and freshly prepared using local techniques while the bar is a no-frills, honest affair.

You may have heard: The Jazz Bastards, Prateek Kuhad, reggae/ska/afrobeat band Riddim Funktion, electronic and visual artist Febby Momma and collaborations with REProduce Listening Showcase.Address: The Old Dolphin Bar, Bokachi Aradi Road, near Parra football ground, Parra. (+91 9845026141)Open: All year round but music events on Fridays.

6. Cirrus

The folks at Cirrus take off-beat to legendary levels. Operating out of an undisclosed location, the venue has the capacity to run multiple sound stages with excellent audio quality, both indoors and outdoors. Parties are hosted on a regular basis (check their social media for updates and invites). Expect to listen to highly experimental mixes and deconstructions in an ambience like no other. The Folks at Cirrus run an indie label, Gandu Records ,and often drive around the neighbourhood in a music-mobile called the Vinyl Ambulance. Food here is fresh and super healthy, and the bar is run with a variety of collaborations by friends or visiting bartenders. You can even volunteer at the sustainability and clean-up initiatives taken up by the owners.

You can expect to hear: Experimental deep house.Address: An undisclosed location in Vagator (+91 9823026254)Open: All year round

7. Firefly

The music events at this snug beach bar and restaurant are produced and curated by The Live Music Project. Promoting blues, Rrock and jazz in a big way, TLMP has a very impressive record when it comes to organising music festivals and gigs in Goa and a few other locations around the country.

You can expect to hear: Stalwarts from the jazz and blues scene.Address: Benaulim Beach (+91 9822123535)Open: All year round but gig nights are Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday

8. Soro

A ‘village’ pub that knows a really good cosmetic surgeon, Soro is named after the Konkani word for alcohol and is housed in a refurbished old corner store. With a hip, industrial upgrade on the decor, great food and a spanking bar, Soro draws in tourists and local party-goers alike. Located inconspicuously off a major junction, its spacious interiors are witness to anything but low-key. There is ample dance room too, so whether it’s deep house, hip-hop or salsa, this is the get-down spot in the village.

You can expect to hear: Commercial fare on a regular with special events that feature local and international artists once a month.Address: Badem junction, Siolim Road, Assagao (+91 9881934440)Open: All year round

9. Showbar Exchange

Akin to Mumbai’s chain of pubs The Bar Stock Exchange, this venue has a dance floor that’s usually packed to the rafters. Serving up some very dance-worthy mixes of commercial hip-hop, house, club and electronic music, Showbar Exchange is a popular drinkery for club crawlers in Goa.

You can expect to hear: An offering of the most energetic commercial staples.Address: Beside Sinq Nightclub, Candolim (+91 8805002432)Open: All year round

10. Rockpool

Set in the uber luxe W Hotel, this outdoor venue is perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. During season, nightly gigs with live musicians or DJs conjuring up magical Goa vibes, draw the elite from around the state as well as the country to party it up around an Olympic-sized pool.

You may have heard: Dualist Inquiry, DJ Ayesha, David Phimister and Julia BlissAddress: Vagator Beach (+91 9582190943)Opens: October 1st

11. Habanero

Featuring Goa’s first microbrewery, Susegado, this chill restaurant is the place to be when you want to combine Tex-Mex nosh with the perfect craft brew while soaking in jazz and lounge music.

You can expect to hear: Live rock, reggae, jazz and blues performances every Friday.Address: The Milky Way Road, opposite Baga Deck, Khobra Vaddo, Baga (+91 9503977700)Open: All year round

12. Cavala

Cavala is a popular place for live music and a lot of dancing. Head to the back area where the performances are and party with the locals who love this place. Different bands perform on different nights and the genres on offer include R&B, pop rock and some preppy mixes by local DJs. On Friday nights, the place gets really crowded but hey, if that’s your thing, then head on over.

You may have heard: Crimson Tide, Tidal Wave, and other local bandsAddress: Saunta Waddo, Baga (+91 8390055518)Open: All year round

13. Hopping Frog

This venue is actually a backpacker’s hostel that serves up regular doses of alternative, indie music to the hostel inhabitants and a crowd of regulars. A quaint establishment capable of holding a limited number of people, expect to experience a wide variety of performances and original sounds curated specially for the non-conformists around.

You can expect to hear: Everything from dub and saxophone to djembe and harp.Address: 544/1, Bhawto Waddo, Assagao (+91 8007669996)Open: All year round

14. Watson’s

Watson’s follows a familiar urban gastro-pub format and is a good place to hang out, eat scrumptiously and listen to new bands and DJs from around the country. Occasional event partners, Songs From The Attic, bring down some of the most interesting young talent the country has to offer, so keep an eye on their social for upcoming events.